World Cup, Wondolowski, New Stadium Create ‘Perfect Storm Of Soccer Interest’ For San Jose Earthquakes

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 07: A San Jose Earthquakes fan shows his suport for the Earthquakes before the start of the Western Conference Semifinals game against the Los Angeles Galaxy at Buck Shaw Stadium on November 7, 2012 in Santa Clara, California. The Galaxy won the game 3-1. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

A San Jose Earthquakes fan shows his support for the team. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

SAN JOSE (KPIX 5) — The World Cup and Team USA’s participation in the tournament is coming just at the right time for the San Jose Earthquakes.

Although the team is near the bottom of the standings in Major League Soccer’s Western Conference, there is a certifiable buzz surrounding the team.

The Earthquakes are less than a year away from opening the Bay Area’s first-ever stadium designed just for soccer.

The team’s star player and Bay Area native, forward Chris Wondolowski is in Brazil playing for the men’s national team. Wondolowski is the face of the Earthquakes and his participation in the World Cup could put many more Quakes fans in the stands.

“It feels like everything is coming together at the same time for almost the perfect storm of soccer interest,” said team president David Kavel.

The team is aiming to capitalize on World Cup interest to sell season tickets at the new facility and build lasting support

“We have 6,000 season ticket holders … we are on pace to reach our goal of 10,000 before we open,” said Kavel. There has been interest at all levels, all the suites are sold out, all the club seats are sold out.”

Soccer interest has always had peaks and valleys in the U.S. and the hard work of building soccer loyalty goes on. But like a stake in the ground, the new stadium says soccer is here to stay in San Jose.